Answers to Common Legal Questions
Short, plain answers to the questions people ask us most. They are general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, call us for a free consultation.
About the firm
Where is Pruitt & Pruitt located?
Our office is at 101 N. Murray Avenue, Anderson, SC 29625, across the street from the back door of the Anderson County Courthouse. There is plenty of free parking on site and a drive-in window.
How long has Pruitt & Pruitt been in practice?
The firm was started in Anderson in 1948 by the father of J. Calhoun Pruitt, Jr. Calhoun has practiced with the firm since 1974, and Joshua B. Raffini joined in 2013.
What areas of Upstate South Carolina do you serve?
We represent clients from Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Abbeville, Spartanburg and Greenwood counties, and we handle matters in courts across South Carolina.
What are your office hours?
The office is open Monday through Friday. Call (864) 224-3121 to set an appointment so an attorney is available when you arrive.
Consultations and fees
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. The first consultation is free and there is no obligation. You can call (864) 224-3121 or send a message through our contact form.
How do you charge for personal injury cases?
Personal injury and workers’ compensation cases are handled on a contingency fee. That means there is no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. We explain the fee agreement in writing before you sign anything.
What should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring anything related to your matter: accident reports, photos, insurance letters, medical bills, contracts, court papers, or a will or deed. A short written timeline of what happened is also helpful. If you do not have documents yet, come anyway.
Does contacting the firm make me a client?
No. Calling, emailing or submitting our website form does not create an attorney-client relationship. That relationship begins only after we agree to represent you, usually in a signed engagement letter.
Injuries and accidents
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in South Carolina?
For most personal injury claims in South Carolina the deadline is three years from the date of the injury. Claims against a government agency are usually limited to two years, and some claims have other rules, so it is best to talk to a lawyer soon after you are hurt.
What should I do after a car accident in Anderson?
Get medical care first. Call the police so a report is made, take photos of the vehicles and the scene, and collect names and phone numbers of witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you have spoken with a lawyer.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Often, yes. South Carolina uses modified comparative negligence. You can recover if your share of the fault is not greater than the other party’s, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
I was hurt at work. Do I need a lawyer for workers’ comp?
Not always, but a lawyer helps when a claim is denied, when benefits stop, or when the injury is serious enough to affect your ability to work long term. Report the injury to your employer right away. South Carolina generally requires notice within 90 days.
Family, estates and business
How long does a divorce take in South Carolina?
A no-fault divorce in South Carolina requires that spouses live separate and apart for one continuous year before the divorce is granted. Fault-based grounds such as adultery or physical cruelty can move faster. Custody, support and property issues can be addressed while the case is pending.
Do I need a will if I do not own much?
A will lets you choose who receives your property and who handles your estate, and it lets parents name a guardian for minor children. Without one, South Carolina law decides for you. A simple plan usually costs far less than the problems it prevents.
What does a probate lawyer do?
A probate lawyer helps the personal representative open the estate in the county probate court, inventory assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute what remains to the heirs. We also represent families when a will is contested.
Should my business be an LLC or a corporation?
It depends on taxes, how the owners want to manage the company, liability concerns, and plans for raising money or passing the business on. We walk through those factors with you before choosing an entity.
Have a question we did not answer?
The first consultation is free and there is no obligation. Tell us what happened and we will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.
- (864) 224-3121
- 101 N. Murray Avenue, Anderson, SC 29625
Across the street from the back door of the Anderson County Courthouse - Open Monday through Friday. Free parking.